Congressman Glenn Thompson Tours QorTek Maritime Defense Facility in Lycoming County

U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson recently toured QorTek’s high-tech facility in Woodward Township to review the production of critical maritime hardware used by the U.S. Navy. The visit highlighted the company's role in developing advanced power systems and smart materials for deep-water craft and submarine countermeasures. This engagement underscores the importance of regional small-to-medium-sized contractors in the defense supply chain and their ongoing contributions to national security through specialized engineering.

QorTek, a developer and integrator of digitally-controlled power and advanced materials, showcased its Linden facility to Representative Thompson, emphasizing its focus on maritime technology. The company specializes in producing prototypes for the U.S. Navy, including high-density power electronics and smart material devices used for sonar systems and countermeasures. CEO Mike Bradley noted that the firm’s production capabilities are centered on the maritime space, offering specialized equipment such as ultra-noise DC-DC power supplies, modular transducer amplifiers, high-power Class-D amplifiers for marine applications, and textured piezoceramics. These components are critical for the military branch's ability to identify or deceive lethal underwater threats.

During the tour, leadership revealed that QorTek recently secured a five-year contract with a $12 million ceiling, marking a significant milestone for the firm’s growth. While the company competes with major defense primes like Lockheed Martin for certain Department of Defense contracts, it also maintains collaborative partnerships with these industry giants. The facility, located in a converted elementary school, is part of a broader operation that includes an advanced materials center in State College, Pennsylvania, and serves as a hub for combining engineering and science disciplines to protect naval personnel operating in deep-water environments.

Looking toward future expansion, COO Ross Bird and VP of Engineering Dan Warner briefed the congressman on plans for a new addition to the rear of the facility, with ground-breaking anticipated in the next two to three years. The company’s growth strategy relies heavily on a pipeline of talent from regional institutions like Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Bucknell University. However, Chief Human Resource Officer John Maize and other team members highlighted that while production and support staff are available, the primary challenge remains recruiting seasoned professional engineers to support their increasingly complex defense projects.